Inspiration, Leadership and Direction - Interior Leaders Work Together for Change

11/13/2014

Syilx Territory, November 4-6, Interior Region Meetings

Interior Region fall First Nations health meetings kicked off with a gathering of the Interior Region Health Directors. Following an introduction to FNHA Nursing Services, Health Directors from the region engaged with FNHA team members on improvements to the First Nations Health Benefits Program along with contribution agreements and reporting processes.

The two day Interior Region Caucus Session opened with a 7 Nation procession led by the Syilx Nation followed by a special honouring of First Nations veterans Percy Joe from Shackan Indian Band, Nlaka'pamux Nation. 


Pictured above: Percy Joe

After updates and discussion with the FNHC and FNHA, Interior Leadership engaged in discussions on urban and Metis engagement, crisis response and received a report on outcomes from Nations Assemblies held throughout the region in September and October.  

Through a health and wellness panel moderated by Chief Zach Parker, leadership heard from Beefy Chiefs 2.0 Step Up leaders in the region. 

"The land is a gift, I feel best when I am outside walking and breathing the fresh air looking at the animals," said Chief Jonathan Kruger. 

"Through my health challenges over the past couple years I have learned - the creator gives us one body and we need to honour it and take care of it," said Pamela Crema. 

"It was life or death and changing my health plan was essential, changing my diet was put into motion. I have lost 65 pounds, changed my life style, more exercise and more awareness on what I eat and drink." said Chief Shane Gottfriedson. 

These words of inspiration provided to Interior Leadership resulted in another 40 participants signing up for the Step Up challenge!

Elections were held in the region for the three Interior First Nations Health Council seats. Kukpi7 Wayne Christian and Gwen Phillips were re-elected for another two year term and Allan Louis, Councillor for Okanagan Indian Band, Syilx Nation was elected as the third representative. Interior Leadership acknowledged Ko'waintco Michel for her years on the FNHC in which she served as a representative since 2010. Former Nation representatives Mic Werstuik from the Syilx Nation and Chief Bernie Mack from the Tsilhqot’in Nation were also acknowledged.  

The Fall 2014 Interior Region Caucus Session saw an impressive turnout of 121 participants and 51 communities represented by a Chief or Proxy.